Update: Multiple-car crash on the West Seattle Bridge high-rise

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
9:21 PM: Thanks to those who’ve called/texted about this: The “medic response” on the 911 log for the westbound West Seattle Bridge, at the highrise, is reported to be a multiple-vehicle crash. No other details so far. 9:28 PM: Via Twitter, one person stuck in the backup, @bppalmer, says two westbound lanes are blocked. Also, WSB’er JoB relayed via JanS that it’s on the right side “just past the top before the Delridge exit” – at least one car appeared to have serious damage. 10:04 PM: Added photo; things should be clearing up – the fire presence at the scene has ended, according to the 911 log. No info at this point regarding injuries or cause. P.S. Here’s Christopher’s short video view – in the absence of working city traffic cameras – from the same vantage point as the photo above:

JoB March 22, 2010 (9:49 pm)

we took the low bridge…

Keith March 22, 2010 (9:50 pm)

Saw all the brake lights and an ambulance speeding eastward, exited in time to take the low bridge. Nearly wound up in an accident myself by the Chelan Cafe thanks to someone switching lanes mid-turn in front of the Chelan.

With all the extra traffic headed to the low bridge soon (with the closing of the 1st Ave onramp), I really wish the signage and lane markings around that area would get an emergency upgrade. It’s tricky enough navigating all that when you actually know where you’re going.

cjboffoli March 22, 2010 (10:07 pm)

Keith: That intersection in particular is tricky. I’ve had the same experience you had with people needing to scoot over at the last minute, some doing it in a panic. I do understand though as if you’re unfamiliar with the intersection it is non-intuitive to be in the far right lane when you know you want to turn left. I try to be extra-patient and, if I can do it safely, try to let people cut over to make the right turn. I agree that better signage is a good idea.

Irukandji March 22, 2010 (10:23 pm)

RE: Light in front of Chelan Cafe. I grew up in a world where a red arrow meant NO GO. A red light meant stop, then turn if safe. There’s a red arrow at the Chelan stop, but I made the mistake of waiting for the green arrow once and pissed off the drivers behind me. What’s the WA State rule on red light v. red arrow and right turns?

JanS March 22, 2010 (11:06 pm)

Irukandji, I’ve often wondered about that myself. I usually treat it as a free right on red. But I never know if that’s really right.

I drove by the accident before police and fire arrived, right after it happened. One of the cars was seriously mangled, and it looked like the other drivers were trying to aid someone in that car. Hope that everyone is OK. We’ve had too much of this in the area lately. :(

cjboffoli March 22, 2010 (11:13 pm)

I’ve always thought that the red arrow means stop and wait and that you cannot make a right turn on red. But according to the DOL’s Washington Driver Guide, if there is no sign prohibiting a right turn on red you CAN indeed make the turn on a red arrow, after first making a full stop and verifying that it is safe to proceed.

Kolea March 22, 2010 (11:16 pm)

It was in the seattlepi.com transportation section a couple of weeks ago in the questions section, that a red arrow is treated as a stop and go if safe, just like a regular red light. And i think it said you’re only not allowed to turn on red if theres a no turn on red sign.
That intersection is a bit iffy, but i have admittedly tooted my horn at people if they’ve been sitting at the red arrow and not going when it is safe and i’ve been waiting behind them.

knm March 23, 2010 (7:32 am)

I would agree – if there’s no sign (‘No Turn on Red’), then it’s a stop and then turn if safe.

Ex-Westwood Resident March 23, 2010 (11:10 am)

You are all correct. A red “arrow” light is to be treated the same as a red light – stop and proceed if safe. The ‘sticker in the thorn bush’ is if there is a “No Turn On Red” sign.
.
Those get ignored though, just like the “No Left Turn 3:00PM-7:00PM” at 35th and Avalon heading south.
.
E-WR

sam March 24, 2010 (9:16 am)

who is in charge of cleaning up the wreckage ?
last night, I noticed there was still A LOT of broken glass on the shoulder, and a little bit sprinkled in the right hand lane.

Sorry, comment time is over.